Local Student Competes on MasterChef Junior

Ten-year-old Cardiff resident Gracie Howard recently appeared on Season 6 of MasterChef Junior on Fox. It was her second stint on the show; she previously competed on Season 5 and made the top 40. “They called me after that was all over and asked me if I wanted to audition for Season 6,” Gracie said. “Of course my answer was yes! I was already planning to try again, but wasn’t sure when.” This season Gracie made it into the top 24, but was eliminated after five episodes. “I was pretty sad because I wasn’t expecting it,” she said. “I really do feel like I won though just by being on the show to begin with. It was a great experience and I made some lifelong friends! A lot of neat opportunities also came from that experience.”

Gracie has her own spot in Child Photo Magazine called Gracie’s Culinary Corner, and has been asked to do a regular kid’s cooking tutorial every other month on Fox morning news. She has baked many treats and cooked a wide variety of entrees and appetizers over the years, with fresh seafood being a favorite. Her signature dish is a coarse-ground mustard and honey-glazed salmon. “I am really inspired by people who just keep trying and who don’t give up even though other people might not believe in them. I think that it’s important to keep shooting for your dreams,” Gracie shared. “I also want people to know that I appreciate all of the support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”